Job Description
The Program Director is responsible for all logistical aspects of the program at Camp Akeela. They provide support to all Activity Heads through scheduling activities, resource management, and supply purchases. The Program Director is also responsible for planning and implementing evening activities and special events at camp. They ensure all camp activities run as smoothly as possible – that they’re safe and they’re fun – and also that they are intentionally aligned with the mission of the camp.
As a part of the Leadership Team, they also provide input and expertise on campers, staff and general camp wide issues. The Program Director attends Senior Staff orientation, and present/run several orientation sessions for counselors.
The Program Director serves as a member of the Camp Akeela Leadership Team and is supervised by Erin Stewart, Camp Akeela’s Assistant Director, and Eric Sasson, one of Akeela’s directors.
Key Responsibilities
Supervision
- Responsible for supervising the Assistant Program Director, Program Heads (e.g. Art Director, Aquatics Director, Outdoor Adventure Directors) and a small set of activity specialists. They provide mentorship and on-going informal positive and constructive feedback to these folks on a daily basis, along with a couple of more formal feedback sessions.
Program Scheduling
- Creates the master camp schedule for cabin activity periods.
- Places campers into specialty activity periods and other activities that require camper placement, such as Hobby Night, etc.
- Ensures appropriate staff coverage standards are met in each activity area by managing staff days and periods off.
- Creates camper and staff rosters for every out of camp trip, with the exception of day hikes.
Program Standards
- Ensures all programs adhere to the appropriate standards to maintain accreditation
with American Camp Association and CampGroup. These include quality of
program instruction, care and maintenance of supplies/equipment, and safety
standards.
Evening Activities & Special Events
- Develop a dynamic schedule of evening activities for each camp session.
- Plan and implement all evening activities at camp.
- Create and implement fun and engaging weekly special event days.
Other Responsibilities
- The Program Director assists the Activity Heads with purchasing decisions under the supervision of the Directors.
- Assist the Directors with various operational related tasks as assigned, such as purchasing and transportation coordination.
- Works with Head Counselors when necessary to help implement campus-based programs.
Qualifications For The Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study, e.g. outdoor education, K-12 education, special education, psychology, PT/OT/SLP.
- Professional experience working with neurodiverse children with learning differences, ASD, or other social communication challenges.
- At least 5 years of overnight camp experience.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Experience supervising staff in a professional setting.
- Of equal importance: a creative, organized, and flexible self-starter who wants to make a difference!
Dates, Salary and Benefits
- The Program Director will join us in Vermont on or before June 7th. The last date of employment is August 12th.
- Salary range is $4000 – $6000, depending on experience and selected departure date.
- Comfortable staff housing and all meals are included
Why Work At Akeela This Summer?
- NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES – With other staff and connections to camp alumni can provide a link to possible internships or future job opportunities in a variety of careers
- LEADERSHIP – You will be supervising others, engaging in decision-making, practicing behavior management, and helping to lead a community … all critical life skills for your future
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Ongoing professional development sets you up to learn about your job while building a strong team with the people you will be working with
- 21ST CENTURY SKILLS – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, and Contribution that are critical for success in today’s world are developed and practiced at camp
- SUMMER IN VERMONT – On your time off, enjoy visiting Burlington VT, Hanover NH, Boston, Montreal … not to mention incredible outdoor adventure opportunities in the White and Green Mountains!
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